In 2014 a project was conducted to look into better ways to support students with speech and language services in schools from rural and remote areas. One of the biggest issues for Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) has been the travel time needed to visit students and families from these schools.

As a result of this project, in 2015 the Department invested in video conferencing telepresence equipment in a number of schools e.g. Ouse, Kempton, Bothwell, Dover and Franklin. This equipment made it possible for the delivery of online speech and language services in schools

Some of the positives for students and families of this service has been:

SLPs ability to deliver therapy from any DoE site to students and families at their enrolled school.

Less travel time for staff resulting in more dedicated time with the students in rural/remote schools.

Having time to build better relationships with parents through more regular contact leading to more home activities completed with their child.

Kindergarten parents gaining a wealth of experience and understanding on how to better support their child’s speech issues through more session time.

Speech Pathology Aides being able to better develop their skills from more session time with SLPs.

This service was able to be retained in the state without outsourcing to other states.